8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek: Umbwe Route

Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the remarkably scenic surrounding area which includes majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from the safari circuit as it features a temperate climate and lush surrounds. Visitors can look forward to exploring the wildlife-abundant Serengeti National Park; the magnificent Arusha National Park; and taking on the challenge of climbing Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain.

Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peak is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Africa. Straddling the Kenya/Tanzania border, the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro rises up to an impressive 5896 metres above sea level. It is one of the world's highest volcanoes, the highest mountain on the African continent, and the highest free-standing mountain on earth; making it an international destination attracting trekkers and mountaineers from around the globe. Set within the Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilimanjaro emerges from the sprawling plains of Tanzania and boasts dense tropical rainforests, glacial ice fields, moorlands, and mystical moonscapes. Take on the colossal challenge of climbing this majestic mountain, explore the lush forested foothills, soak up the breathtaking views or take a wildlife safari and spot some of Africa’s diverse wildlife including: elephant, buffalo, leopard, duiker, eland, hyrax, blue monkeys and more.

After breakfast we resume our trekking on more rocky terrain with sparse undergrowth and few trees. As we rise in altitude, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The trail flattens as we approach the Barranco Valley. From the Umbwe ridge, the route descends to the Barranco camp through the beautiful Senecio forest.

At the beginning of the day we will have to face the obstacle of the Great Barranco Wall. It will seem like an arduous undertaking, but it will prove to be simpler than expected.

Even today the trek is quite short. We will continue to the Karanga Valley crossing streams and valleys, until we meet the Mweka route. After an hour or so we will reach Barafu (in Swahili means ice) Hut. This field is exposed to ice, it is very cold at night. You will appreciate your warm sleeping bag.

Around 11.30 pm we will wake up with tea and biscuits then we will begin the ascent in the dark of the night. We will proceed in the North-West direction and we will climb through steep scree towards Stella point.

After breakfast we will continue the descent for about 3 hours down to the gate (entrance) of the park. Here you will collect your certificate. Those who have reached Stella Point (5,739m) will have the green certificate and those who have reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) will receive the gold certificate.